Heather Jean Gray
Aug. 11, 1941 – Jan. 6, 2023
Heather Jean Gray (nee Stewart, Gordon) 81, of Gabriola Island, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2023, at Nanaimo General Hospital surrounded by her two boys and grandchildren.
She was born to parents Bruce and Carleen Stewart, on August 11, 1941, in Regina, Saskatchewan. Sadly, Heather lost her father as he served his country in World War II. Heather was always thinking of her father and wishing that he was part of her life.
Heather (and her mother Carleen) lived with her maternal grandparents, Glen and Agnes Kyle, in Vancouver where she was loved and doted on by three people who deeply cared for her.
At 11 years of age, Heather had a new father when Carleen married Donald Gordon, an electrical engineer. During their courtship, Heather was thrilled with the fact that he had a car that could take her places.
Heather graduated from North Vancouver Secondary School in 1958. She was talented musically, playing the violin and piano in a youth orchestra. She always had many friends.
In 1954, Heather was blessed with a baby sister, Anne Christine,that she loved greatly and enjoyed spending her hard-earned savings on outfitting her in cute baby clothes. A few years later, Muriel was born completing their family of five. Heather adored her two younger sisters and they admired and looked up to her.
At 15, Heather began working at Surf Lodge on Gabriola, where her mom had taken her on vacation previously. Heather enjoyed the work at Surf Lodge and very quickly met a young teenage farmer in August of 1956. Heather continued to work every summer at Surf Lodge, and she and Robert Gray continued their summer romance.
Heather began her university education at University of British Columbia where she graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor Degree in Education. She began her teaching career in Victoria at Glanford Elementary School.
On July 11, 1964 Heather married the love of her life, Robert. Once married, Heather and Robert transitioned from a life in Victoria to take over the Gray family farm on Gabriola. Heather had the two boys, Bruce and Michael, and when they were both school age, she went back to her passion of teaching kindergarten at Gabriola Elementary School for the remainder of her career, until she retired after forty years.
Heather was gregarious and full of life. She was well known in the community and will be remembered as a teacher of many of Gabriola’s children. Members of the Gabriola community will remember large gatherings for Lamb BBQ’s and July 1st celebrations at the Gray Farm. Heather was also extremely generous and has donated to the Gabriola Medical Centre as well as the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
Heather is survived by her son, Robert Bruce Gray and wife Jillian Gray, son, Michael Donald Gray and wife Robyn Gray, and grandchildren, Lily, Kaitlyn, & Myles Gray, step grandchild Derek Patry & great grandchild Daysen Patry; sisters Christine Sanders (David), Muriel Teague (Tom), & many nieces, nephews, and a great-niece.
Heather was predeceased by the love of her life Robert, on April 24, 2022; and her parents, Bruce Stewart, Carleen Gordon, and Donald Gordon.
A Celebration of Heather’s life will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the Surf Lodge Great Room from 1-3 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Gabriola Elementary School.
Henry Goyert
1924-2022
Long time Gabriola resident Henry Goyert passed away in Victoria on May 6th at 97. Born in Berlin in 1924, he came to Canada in 1952 where he and his family eventually made their home in Kitimat BC. He retired to Gabriola in 1980 after spending summers there in the house he and his wife Dorothy built. Henry lived a long and fascinating life. He will be remembered by those who knew him as a gracious, fun-loving gentleman who loved Gabriola Island. He was a consummate story teller and looked for fun in everything he did. Although dementia diminished him in the last few years the essence of his personality and sense of humour stayed with him.
He is survived by his two sons, Peter (Jill) and Thomas (Cindy), his long-time close friend and partner Ann, grandchildren Josh, Stephanie and Michael as well as three great grandchildren, Jack, Sam and Zoe. He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy and grandson Ben.
Henry Goyert
1924-2022
Long time Gabriola resident Henry Goyert passed away in Victoria on May 6th at 97. Born in Berlin in 1924, he came to Canada in 1952 where he and his family eventually made their home in Kitimat BC. He retired to Gabriola in 1980 after spending summers there in the house he and his wife Dorothy built. Henry lived a long and fascinating life. He will be remembered by those who knew him as a gracious, fun-loving gentleman who loved Gabriola Island. He was a consummate story teller and looked for fun in everything he did. Although dementia diminished him in the last few years the essence of his personality and sense of humour stayed with him.
He is survived by his two sons, Peter (Jill) and Thomas (Cindy), his long-time close friend and partner Ann, grandchildren Josh, Stephanie and Michael as well as three great grandchildren, Jack, Sam and Zoe. He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy and grandson Ben.
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